BACOLOD CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded no pronounced increase in volcanic parameters, following the latest explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
In its eruption bulletin issued on April 8, Phivolcs said no significant rise in volcanic earthquakes, ground deformation or volcanic gas parameters were monitored, hence the continuation of the volcano’s current Alert Level 3 status.
This means that the moderately explosive eruption in the early morning of April 8 may be followed by similar short-lived explosive eruptions or may progress to lava eruptions, which may involve lava flow and lava fountaining.
Phivolcs maintains its recommendation to vacate the six-kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ) due to hazards, such as pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), ballistic projectiles or flying materials ejected from mouth of the volcano, rockfalls, ashfall and other related risks.
Local government units within Kanlaon Volcano’s hazard zones are also urged to prepare for the possibility of further escalation and life-threatening worst-case explosive eruption.
Moreover, with ashfall hitting different villages, the public is advised to intensify vigilance as loose ash and pyroclastic materials at the upper slopes of the volcano may be eroded and generate lahars and sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy downpours.
Phivolcs then explained that the moderately explosive eruption may have been triggered by pressurization when volcanic gas emissions were blocked, as characterized by the decline in average sulfur dioxide emissions. (AGP/BPS/ PIA Negros Occidental)
